Times have changed

Used to be, when you grabbed breakfast on the go, it was a diet disaster: nothing but fat-and-calorie bombs like butter-soaked croissants and jumbo muffins. Now, it’s much easier to do right by your body: Fast-food legends like McDonald’s and IHOP, as well as newbies like Cosi and Panera Bread, offer surprisingly healthy options that are filling, light, and much easier on your arteries.

Times have changed

Used to be, when you grabbed breakfast on the go, it was a diet disaster: nothing but fat-and-calorie bombs like butter-soaked croissants and jumbo muffins. Now, it’s much easier to do right by your body: Fast-food legends like McDonald’s and IHOP, as well as newbies like Cosi and Panera Bread, offer surprisingly healthy options that are filling, light, and much easier on your arteries.

Choose wisely

The key to finding a healthy breakfast, says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, is finding a good-for-you mix of complex carbs (like whole grains), protein, and healthy fats to
keep you satisfied. So with that in mind, we asked our team of experts to choose and rank the best a.m. grub. Here, the standoutsand why each one made the cut.

No. 1 Spinach Florentine Breakfast Wrap (Cosi)

"When you wake up, your body hasn’t had fuel for about 10 to 12 hours," says Dr. Gerbstadt, one of our judges. So this standout refuels you and keeps you satisfied so you don’t overnosh the rest of the day. "With most other breakfasts, you would need to add another food to get this much protein," Dr. Gerbstadt explains. "Plus, the fiber content is much higher than you’d usually find in such a high-protein meal."

No. 2 Protein Artisan Snack Plate (Starbucks)

This Starbucks sampler scores high for having all the components of an ultra-satisfying breakfastprotein, fiber, whole grains, and fresh produce, says panelist Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, Senior Food and Nutrition Editor at Health. You get to nibble on yummy farehard-boiled egg, cheddar and apple slices, multigrain muesli bread, grapes, and honey peanut butter spreadin the right portions, Largeman-Roth explains.

No. 3 Berry Topper Ideal Meal (Jamba Juice)

"It really is an ideal meal because it meets all of your nutrient needs," judge and nutrition expert Robin Miller says. It’s made with yogurt and soy milk, great sources of calcium and vitamin Dtwo nutrients women often lack. Also blended in are vitamin C–packed strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. And the organic pumpkin flaxseed granola gives you a dose of healthy fats for heart health.

No. 4 Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (Au Bon Pain)

Oatmeal is a favorite among dietitians because it contains two kinds of fiber: the insoluble kind, which helps prevent constipation, and the soluble type, which digests slowly to help regulate blood sugar. "Oatmeal is more filling than many other cereals," Dr. Gerbstadt explains. Au Bon Pain’s oatmeal edged past the McDonald’s version because it has less saturated fat and sodium, plus more protein and fiber.

No. 5 Scrambled Egg Whites, Chicken Sausage, and Fruit (Denny’s)

Yes, you can have eggs and sausage! But pass over the Grand Slam menu and look for these better-for-you breakfast "sides" to design your own morning meal. "This is a really well-rounded breakfast," Largeman-Roth says. It’s not too high in sodium, either; a surprise for a sausage breakfast, she says.

No. 7 Simple & Fit Veggie Omelette (IHOP)

A veggie omelette is a great way to sneak more nutrient- and fiber-rich produce into your power breakfast, Miller says. In this case you get a flavor-fest of green peppers, mushrooms, onions, and oven-roasted tomatoes. "And the side of fruit adds a nice (sweet) touch," she says.

No. 8 Western Egg White & Cheese Muffin Melt (Subway)

For just 160 calories, this melt with egg whites, Black Forest ham, green peppers, American and Monterey Jack cheeses, and red onion stacked on an English muffin lets you eat light without feeling even a little bit deprived. Don’t like peppers or onions? Order your melt with fresh tomatoes and spinach instead. If you want something more substantial, round out your meal with Subway’s packaged apple slices or yogurt.

No. 9 Egg White Turkey Sausage Wake-Up Wrap (Dunkin’ Donuts)

No need to deprive yourself if you’re watching calories and fat: The reduced-fat cheddar cheese, egg whites, spinach, and turkey sausage in this winner from Dunkin’ Donuts make this a healthy indulgence.

Room for improvement: This pick tastes rich, but it’s small, so it may not keep you full for as long as the egg options higher on our list, Largeman-Roth explains. It’s also low in filling fiber, so pair it with a piece of fruit for more fuel.

Best quick at-home picks

No. 1 Kashi Golden Goodness Cereal

This brand-new blend of crispy flakes and clusters give you almost a full day’s serving of whole grains in one bowlimpressive, Dr. Gerbstadt says. Also exceptional: One serving has as much protein as a large egg.

No. 2 Stonyfield Farm Organic 2% Greek Yogurt

"I’m so thrilled that there’s now an organic 2% Greek yogurt," Largeman-Roth says. "Low-fat yogurt is more satisfying than fat-free varieties, and the fat will also help you better absorb the fat-soluble vitamin D." Eat it solo or mix with 1/4 cup of granola and a small, sliced banana for a heartier meal.